VR - Mission 1: Welcome to CodeSpace
Welcome to CodeSpace
Students explore the CodeSpace learning environment, learning to navigate the interface, collect Toolbox tools, and complete their first mission objectives.
Overview
Mission 1 introduces students to the CodeSpace learning environment before they write a single line of Python. Students explore the interface, practice navigating between objectives with CodeTrek, and get comfortable with how CodeSpace guides them step by step - all before writing their very first program.
🎯 Mission Goal: Students will learn about the CodeSpace learning environment.
Learning Targets
- I can navigate CodeSpace.
- I can identify the major parts of the CodeSpace interface: the Mission Bar, Objective Panel, text editor, CodeTrek, Toolbox, and Lesson Navigation Controls.
Key Concepts
- Follow the instructions in the Lesson Panel carefully - there's a lot of important reading!
- Watch for "tool icons" as you go so you can collect them in your Toolbox.
Assessment Opportunities
- Quiz after Objective 4
- Mission 1 Assignment (Label the parts of CodeSpace)
- Level-1 Mission 1 Review Kahoot!
Success Criteria
- Complete each Objective Goal
- Complete the Mission 1 Assignment
Digital Resources
Classroom Materials
- ▸Computer or Chromebook with internet access
- ▸Class join code for CodeSpace
Real-World Applications
Extensions & Cross-Curricular
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Vocabulary
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Standards
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CSTA Standards - Grades 9-10
CSTA Standards - Grades 11-12
See Getting Started with CodeSpace for help with the steps below.
- Claim your license for Python Level-1 with Virtual Robotics.
- Create a class on the teacher dashboard.
- Generate a join code for the class section to give students.
- This is the first lesson in all the mission packs. If your students have completed other Firia Labs mission packs, they will already know this information. You can have them complete Mission 1 as a review and refresher, or you can unlock Mission 1 and start on Mission 2.
- A slide deck is provided that reviews all the parts of CodeSpace, including parts not covered in the mission. Use the slides alongside the mission or as a review - the slides go with the assignment.
- Review questions can be used as a class review, turned into a Kahoot, or used to build an exam in your learning management system.
Lesson Outline
Open with a brief discussion to activate curiosity about the tools students will use throughout the course.
- Ask: "What do you think a professional programmer's workspace looks like?"
- Ask: "What do you think you'll need to know before you can write your first program?"
Walk students through logging into CodeSpace and opening Python Level-1 with Virtual Robotics using the class join code. Point out the key parts of the interface before students start working independently.
- Mission Bar and how to navigate between missions
- Objective Panel and how CodeTrek guides them step by step
- The text editor where they will write all their code
- The Toolbox: emphasize watching for tool icons to collect as they go
Students work through Mission 1 objectives independently, following CodeTrek guidance.
- Students log in and join the class using the provided join code.
- Students read through early objectives to orient themselves to the interface.
- Students reach Objective 3 and add their first tool to the Toolbox.
- Students complete Objective 4 and take the quiz.
- As a class, or individually, go through the CodeSpace Review slide deck.
- Students complete the Mission 1 Assignment.
Bring the class together to review the key parts of CodeSpace and check for understanding before moving on.
- Ask a student to point out each interface element on the projector screen.
- Ask: "What is the Toolbox for? Why is it useful?"
- Ask: "What would you do if your code isn't doing what you expect?" (introduce Debugging)
Students complete the Mission 1 Review Questions. You can also use the Mission 1 Review Kahoot as a class review.